The competitive grant program which allows for these improvements is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and advances the Obama administration’s vision for high speed intercity passenger rail throughout the nation.

In all, $8 billion in ARRA funds are available to states through this program, which is divided among the following funding tracks: Track One - Shovel-ready Projects; Track Two - Service Development Programs; Track Three - Service Planning Activities; and Track Four - Appropriations-Funded Projects.

ODOT’s preliminary application was filed on July 10, 2009 and it’s final application was submitted on October 1, 2009. ODOT sought approximately $2 billion in Track Two funding for service development programs. ODOT did not receive funding in the initial round but will continue to seek funding throughout the remiander of the program.